Rio: Wes Is Keeping Nev Out Of The Team

May 4, 2008

Wes Brown is the defender with the most appearances this season, which is somewhat ironic, considering he has been second choice for much of his United career. Whilst starting consistently during the 05-06 season, in the centre alongside Rio Ferdinand, Wes has struggled to keep a first team place down in his long career with United.

Wes has been starting for United since March 2007, when Gary Neville picked up an injury playing against Bolton. He’s played at right back for the majority of the season, but more recently has been playing in the centre to cover for an injured Nemanja Vidic.

United fans’ hearts sank when news broke that Vidic wouldn’t line up against Barcelona. We were playing against the attacking ability of Messi, Eto’o and Henry, we needed a result, and we felt like we needed our first choice defender playing to get it. However, Wes Brown stepped up to the plate, and put out one of the best performances I’ve seen from him in his time at the club. He was commanding, efficient and powerful, and dealt with the onslaught of attacking football Barca delivered.

Rio Ferdinand has today spoken out in praise of his team mate, who has recently signed a contract extension with the club, saying he is a player we can expect big performances from.

“Wes has been doing it all season and you expect big performances from him,” said Rio. “Gary Neville is fit now but he’s still managed to keep his place – and that speaks volumes for the way Wes has been playing. The manager has great confidence in him, he’s a fantastic professional and I always feel comfortable playing alongside him. Nemanja Vidic has been a top player for us over the last two years, and for him to be out of such important games might have been a problem. But it’s not when someone like Wes can step in so seamlessly. He’s been great.”

Based on his performances this season, would you be happy to see Wes Brown starting for United next season?

11 Comments

Gary N is too old and has no pace to be in the first team. That also include Scholes and Giggs. They all can play in the reserved team and pass their experiences to the youngsters. But also to sell off will be John Oshea and Saha who are worst players of them all.

to suggest john oshea is the worst player at united is absolutely absurd-the fact is hes still there because he is a very good squad player, whereever hes asked to play he does-gives his best and you cant ask for anything more. many clubs would like a decent utility man you can rely on.

Excellent article Scott, I love it when Wes gets his due praise! I think that he was brilliant against Barca and got stuck into Messi a few times, cleaning up when Messi skipped passed a player or three.

I have full faith in Wes to help us finish the season strongly, whether at right-back or centre-back.

ManU- do you even watch football? Are you a regular commentator on this blog? Respond to the heckling you're getting- you know diddly squat about united. John o'Shea is one of the most versatile players in the premiership, hobnobbed with the greats of the game (nutmegged Figo if you remember- for the trivial folks), scored THAT goal at Highbury, has played in every part of the field for United, yes that's everything from Goalkeepr to Striker. As for Scholes and Giggs being too old?? WTF????? Scholes is the best midfielder playing in the premiership right now, you have to look beyond a nihilistic view of glory football to understand that you numb nut. And Giggs? Erm, you having a bubble?? Giggs hasn't the pace he used to in his younger days but he still has legs, if not for the full 90 and he still has a fast footballing brain. And Gary?? You dare to talk about Gary Neville????? Go away- Scott, write up something, bar this guy, he/she is not united fan. I've never read as much codswallop anywhere else, united fan or otherwise.

i rekon wes has been pure class this season, he's reliable and not scared to put his foot in, he's a bit suspect to balls over the top as the alves and ashton goals showed, but he gives his all for united so u cant complain. next season i rekon that anderson and nani the nutter will come of age and limit giggsy and scholesy to appearing of the bench to have an impact on games, which in my eyes is great as they are the most experienced players in the team, so they could have a solskjaer effect and level up the title count with the scum!!!! happy days!!!